From Barcelona to Palma, Portoferraio to Rome, our Islands of the West Med Voyages explore some of the region’s most unforgettable destinations.
Have you ever stood in front of La Sagrada Família in Barcelona? Peculiar and magnificent, a Gothic interpretation through the eyes of an abstract thinker, Gaudí’s masterpiece was less than a quarter complete when he died. Still a work in progress, Gaudí’s vision is scheduled to be completed in 2026 – on the centennial of his death.
See another visionary’s Gothic masterpiece: the spectacular Bellver Castle on the Spanish island of Mallorca. A stunning circular castle on a hill, it was ironically built for royalty to safely reside, then later used as a prison for the queen Violant of Mallorca and other members of the royal family. Today, the Bellver Castle is a beautiful monument to a remarkable past.
The Vatican needs no introduction. Home to the Sistine Chapel – Michelangelo’s masterpiece – the Vatican City is one of the most renowned cultural achievements in human history and the papal heartbeat of the world. Of all the places waiting on your bucket list, few can claim the cultural significance of this city – or rather, the world’s smallest country.
And perhaps the most unique experience during these voyages is visiting the small island ports of Alghero, Porto Vecchio and Portoferraio. Stunningly beautiful, Alghero is one of Sardinia’s most picturesque ports. An ancient fortified city with modern elegance, enjoy a lazy afternoon savoring the quaint cafes and scenic sites. Or relax in Porto Vecchio – sunning yourself on its beautiful Mediterranean beaches before taking a jaunt to some local prehistoric sites. And then there’s Portoferraio. Enchanting and full of contrasts, you most likely haven’t heard of this Tuscan port on the island of Elba. Explore old-fashioned fishing villages and small private vineyards…without hoards of tourists.
If you crave history, culture, fine wines and beautiful scenery, our Islands of the West Med voyages will more than fulfill your expectations. And with fares as low as $1,799 per person when booked before October 31, 2011, the Mediterranean seems closer than ever. From Spain to Italy to France, which stop along this itinerary appeals to you most?
